Share Your Story

share your story

We invite you to share your story of hope or recovery with Active Minds.

Whenever someone takes the brave step of sharing their story, they make it that much easier for the next person to understand they are not alone.

Our goal with all stories is to educate and change the conversation about mental health. Together we can end the silence that surrounds mental illness and suicide.

Send Silence Packing®

Stories are a big part of outreach programs such as the Send Silence Packing® exhibit. This exhibit, which has traveled the country for more than a decade, features backpacks and stories that increase public education and awareness about suicide.

We aim to inform everyone that suicide is a serious and preventable public health problem and connect as many people as possible with resources for support and action.

How to submit your story

We welcome stories about hope or recovery to accompany a backpack in the Send Silence Packing exhibit. Stories are also used in Active Minds presentations, on our website, and in other communications.

We seek stories from friends or family members who have survived the loss of a loved one and have taken positive actions since the death. We also welcome stories from survivors of suicide attempts, particularly if focused on lessons learned, hope, and recovery.

You’ll be prompted to either type in or upload your story as a Word document or PDF. You may also upload up to three photos.

You’ll receive an acknowledgement that your story was received. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

About the review process

We read every story sent to Active Minds. If your story is selected, it will be reviewed and edited in accordance with evidence-based, public health practices. (Please read our Story Guidelines for more information).

We try to preserve the stories in the way they were submitted and do our best to honor each contribution as written. Depending on how your story will be used, Active Minds may design and format your story. A final version will always be sent for your review.

How to submit a backpack

If you are also interested in sending a backpack to accompany your story and to be included in the Send Silence Packing exhibit, please check the appropriate box on the Story Submission form. All backpack donations can be sent to the following address: Active Minds c/o Send Silence Packing, 2001 S Street NW, Suite 630, Washington DC 20009.